Ask a Hollywood Pitch Man

New TV Writers Vault Discussion Forum

2009-12-08T11:51:00.000-08:00

Come join the discussion! We've just launched a new Discussion Forum at the TV Writers Vault for our community of writers, creators, fans, and friends. Start a new topic, answer questions, post questions, share and learn.

Sell Your Idea to Hollywood - wikiHow

2009-10-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

Step-by-Step, How To Sell Your Idea to Hollywood - wikiHow

Sell Your Screenplay to Hollywood - wikiHow

2009-10-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

A step by step outline of how to Sell Your Screenplay to Hollywood - wikiHow

Protecting Your TV & Movie Ideas

2009-03-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

Can you protect an "Idea"?

The specific expression of an idea is protected under copyright law, but not the general notion or vague idea. Perhaps the more important factor is exposure. Two people can create identical projects, and both race to the mountain top, but its the person who gets it to the buyer first who matters. Just because you have a copyright or creators vault archival for your project, doesn't mean that other people are prevented from creating the same identical concept on their own.

In the fast talking, loose lipped world of Hollywood, what measures can you take to protect your written creations? Are material release forms really a risk for writers submitting works? Or is the production company the one who is already at risk?

Post your comments, questions, and experiences. I'll be happy to share with you my thoughts.

"Based On A True Story" Hollywood

2009-03-10T15:34:00.000-07:00

To me, truth is always better than fiction. Whether its a reality show about an obsessive-compulsive nuerotic and his crazy business, like Bravo's "Flipping Out", or an award winning movie based on a wild true story like "Catch Me If You Can". The stories of people's lives and experiences are always more fascinating to an audience, and easier to Sell To Producers.

Got an incredible true story? Would it make for a great movie? Can a reality-series be built around it?

Lets discuss!

Post your comments and questions.

TV Format Development

2009-03-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

Probably the biggest hurdle any writer or creator faces is the translation of that great concept onto paper. How do you communicate what a producer or network executive needs to read? How do you get them to see the clever hook your concept has, and the potential of the show? Is your written synopsis showing them what the show is?

If you have any specific questions about the development or pitching of your television projects, post them here, and we'll discuss.

Your Business or Job as a Reality TV Series

2009-03-10T15:08:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, you love the docu-reality series about fun, dangerous, unique, or strange professions. "Flipping Out", "Dog the Bounty Hunter", "Dirty Jobs", "Million Dollar Listings", "American Chopper", and others, all have that "can't stop watching" appeal that producers and viewers love.

If you have, or know of, a profession or business that may hold the fodder for a new reality-based series, let me know.

What has the craziest, or coolest job? Is your company a cast of characters?

Lets blog about it!

Leave your comments or questions, and I'll blog back.

If you're pitching a reality-based series, you may want to visit
TVFilmRights.com

All About Scott Manville & TVWritersVault.com

2009-03-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

For those of you not yet familiar, after many years of working in development and selling concepts for shows based on ideas from new writers, I created the TV Writers Vault as a marketplace for the TV industry to scout new material and ideas for shows. We have writers from all corners of the world, and some of the top production companies and networks in Hollywood scouting new projects.

Ask me how it works, what you love about it, what your concerns are, what the future holds, how it benefits new writers, or any specific aspect of the service. I'm happy to engage in some inspired discussions!

Post away. I'll blog back! :)

Reality TV Show Ideas - What Works and What Doesn't

2009-03-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

Why do some ideas for reality programs work, and others don't?

The biggest challenge I've seen with new writers and creators pitching reality-based projects, comes in two forms. 1) The pitch gives more description of "why" the show is entertaining, and not enough about what we're actually seeing as content for the show, and 2) The idea is more entertaining in theory than in reality.

Its a funny thing that selling concepts to producers is so challenging, when we often don't give them the very simple information they need to make a judgement call. What Are We Actually Watching? You've got to be real with yourself and step outside of the love you have for your great idea, and see it for what it actually is. Here's a familiar one: "We do a relationship reality series about matchmaking on the Internet. Everyone can relate, the stories would be endless, and we could have Match.com sponsor it". Sounds like it should work, right? Wrong. What would you actually be watching? People surfing the internet? People on blind dates?(already overdone). People emailing eachother, flirting? One word describes all of that- Boring.

Remember this is television, and its about witnessing action, emotion, and real scenarios that we may not get to see in everyday life. Tell a producer that you're going to follow a washed-up rock star on a tour bus, picking up chicks along the way that are all competing to stay on "tour" with him, and you're going to get their interest. Tell a producer that your concept follows the lives of 3 playboy bunnies living with Hugh Hefner, and you'll make that sale.

So the challenge remains; what key elements can you build a concept around, and have the rights to, that will give your project compelling content and great market appeal?

Post your comments or questions. I'd love to chat.